Testimonials

Feedback on two CareStellations sessions as part of my Holistic Business Coaching offer for Owner/Directors of Oxford SMEs - Winter 2023:

"As a director, I spend my time managing a large team.  I listen to them carefully but nobody ever asks me to sit down and talk through my fears, relationships with other key people and aspirations.  Having the opportunity to do this with somebody with a strong empathy and who understands my professional world is unique and valuable.

I entered the sessions thinking I needed to talk about myself.  I came out more aware of the important relationships I have with other people and how, by understanding their concerns and aspirations, I could plan my own life and set my goals.

Better than a priest!"

JB, Founder and Chair of a medium sized company

“Rigour, patience and persistence were key qualities that Richard demonstrated in his high profile work for the council and NHS partners. He resolved a complex legal and contractual situation minimising risk and financial exposure and working with the Chief Exec and councillors. He delivered a complex NHS integration programme to time and budget engaging as effectively with other senior managers as with frontline staff. He has an unerring ability to focus on the big picture priorities while never losing sight of the important small things that make the difference to our staff, partners and clients."

Paul Hewitt, Corporate Director, People Services, Harrow Council

"Richard has a deep understanding of strategic issues in health and social care as well as operational matters. His understanding of legislation, business process and systems make his expertise unique. He combines this with a sharp intelligence and an ability to work with a broad range of people.”

John Boyle, Founder & Managing Director, commercial software house

“Richard is an extremely knowledgeable person who has many years experience in the field of IT. He has worked for ADASS on a number of projects over recent years and always produces work of a high quality and within timescale. He has a strong reputation with colleagues and I highly recommend him.”

Terry Dafter, former DASS at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

“Richard worked with myself and other senior colleagues in the County Council. Quality of work was excellent. His effective communication, insight and knowledge to inform decisions were valued. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, empathetic and brought synergy to complex situations.”

Peter Appleton, Head of Planning and Service Strategy, Durham CC

"Richard cares about making sure that systems and technology really work for the people who matter most - the people who use care and support services, their families and carers - and that passion is at the heart of everything he does. This means he brings rigour, attention to detail and challenge to the process of design and delivery that can help organisations achieve their ambitions"

Andrea Sutcliffe, former Chief Executive, Social Care Institute for Excellence

(now Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, CQC)
 

“I’ve enjoyed working with Richard who brings the pragmatism, attention to detail and drive that comes from working long enough with the public sector to know that all these are key elements to the success of projects. I particularly value his experience of IT commissioning, contracting and business planning. He’s also savvy about how various stakeholders think. He was recommended to me by someone I trust. It was a good tip.”

Dr Rupert McShane, Consultant Psychiatrist specializing in dementia,
 Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

"Richard was effective in working with a broad range of stakeholders to assess the options available and to develop a roadmap for replacing social care IT systems.  His work covered a wide range of topics from national policy to local options for NHS integration. He demonstrated a sound understanding of the business of adults and children’s social care and the environment within which they work.  His network in social care informatics provided access to a significant amount of intelligence and future IT systems thinking.  Above all, he worked with integrity and trust, and has made a positive contribution to the Councils plans in this area”

Keith Forster, Strategic Performance and Information Manager 

“Richard has a rare talent and ability to bridge business and technology, and move from detail to strategy. He presents well, plans meticulously, and works tirelessly. He can see the big picture and set the big picture, identify solutions and manage their construction. Richard works well on his own or as part of a team, engages well with customers and partners, and would be a tremendous asset in any organisation.”

Peter Houselander, Director of Health & Social Care, Northgate Information Solutions
 

“I've worked for 15 years with Richard, and for a number of employers. I've always found Richard to be highly intelligent, energetic, creative, trustworthy and loyal. Together we've developed numerous successful business propositions in the Social Care domain. I'd recommend Richard to anyone looking for those undoubted skills and traits.”

Tony Barron, Business Development Director, Health and Social Care, Northgate Information Solutions
 

“Richard brings to his present position both a wealth of experience in the field and in life, as well as a richness of intelligence, openness of heart and divergent original thought that must mark him out from his competitors and make him a unique find for those wishing to navigate the territory that he has made his own. I have known Richard for a number of years and found him to be trustworthy, deep and kind.”

Clive Lindley-Jones, Director, Helix House Natural Health Centre
 

“I have worked with Richard over the last 6 months and during that time he has demonstrated himself as a more-than-capable project manager with an ability to have both eyes on the detail whilst also driving the project forwards in terms of it’s bigger picture. Neither are easy skills to master but Richard has them both and he's a nice chap as well!”

Paul Mellor, Owner, Mellor & Scott Design Ltd
 

"Richard has helped me explore important business issues. He is an excellent listener, and is thoughtful and insightful. His use of constellations opens up insights that were not obvious.  It allows me to look at situations with fresh understanding of other players' viewpoints."

Richard H, owner and MD of environmental consultancy firm